Updated 2026 Rankings: New Faces (Part 3)

We recently updated our class of 2026 rankings, with a lot of new players taking what we often refer to as the “junior jump.” Things have shaken up quite a bit, with over 40 new names being added to the rankings.   Here's a look at part three of the new faces in the junior class rankings.   #148) [player_tooltip player_id='2348742' first='Kyheim' last='Johnson'] | 6'0” CG | Alexandria City   Johnson had a big year for Alexandria City stepping into more of a go-to role and putting up some big numbers as a player who can score it in a lot of different ways. Johnson can handle it in transition and in the half court and create space to get his shot off, he can move off the ball where he can knock it down and moves well to get open shots and he's a heady defender who jumps passing lanes and forces turnovers too.   #149) [player_tooltip player_id='2749973' first='Charlie' last='Boone'] | 6'3” SF | Freedom-South Riding   Boone was fantastic for Freedom having a breakout year for them and earning First Team All District honors. He's an elite shooter who moves well off the ball to get open and can set his feet on the move to make shots, he can handle it when attacking closeouts or in isolation to get to the rim and finish with either hand and he consistently makes the right play on both ends of the floor   #152) [player_tooltip player_id='2605296' first='Messiah' last='Dixon'] | 5'11” PG | Fairfax Christian   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/tempImageng69OW.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/tempImageng69OW.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2801389" /></a></figure>   Dixon was added to this list before I watched Fairfax Christian in their run to a third straight state championship, and it's safe to say he will be moving up in the next update. While he isn't the biggest guy he's a dynamic playmaker with a quick first step and great speed in the open floor, he sees the floor well and makes great decisions, he can score it off the bounce from multiple levels efficiently and he causes all sorts of havoc on the defensive end too.   #154) [player_tooltip player_id='1588130' first='Devon' last='Pettibone'] | 5'11” PG | Briar Woods   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/618-Devon-Pettibone-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/618-Devon-Pettibone-scaled.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-1599487" /></a></figure>   Pettibone had a huge season for Briar Woods, earning First Team All Region 5D honors while leading them in scoring and assists throughout the season. The best way to describe his game is crafty as he uses jabs and counters to get by defenders even if they're more athletic than him, he has a wide array of finishes around the rim with both hands, he can hit tough off balance shots and he sees the floor and makes others better as well.   #156) [player_tooltip player_id='2780046' first='Gavin' last='Arthur'] | 6'2” SG | EC Glass   Arthur had a breakout season for a young Glass team that should make some noise next year deep into the season, and the 6'2” wing is an elite glue guy who finds ways to impact the game across the board. He's a great catch and shoot guy from deep, he uses his length to challenge shots and rebound, he plays with a great motor and he does all the little things to help his team win.   #158) [player_tooltip player_id='1588144' first='Jayden' last='Morris'] | 5'11” CG | Colonial Forge   Morris was fantastic for a Forge team that had a great season due to their depth in the backcourt, as he was named First Team All Region and was the catalyst for their playoff run, and honestly probably debuted a little low on this list. The 5'11” guard is relentless on both ends as he guards the length of the floor and turns over ball handlers, he's a big time athlete with a quick first step and explosive finishing ability in transition, he scores it from multiple levels and he can make plays for others too.   #159) [player_tooltip player_id='2461548' first='Rylee' last='Baker'] | 6'0” CG | Millbrook   Baker made a name for himself as one of the best guards in the Winchester area this season, being named Second Team All Region for 4D and leading his team in scoring at 14 points per game. He's a classic bucket getting combo guard who is deadly off the catch from deep, he can get to spots in the midrange and from deep off the bounce, he finishes well over bigger defenders and he's very consistent and efficient as a scorer.   #161) [player_tooltip player_id='2462564' first='Jayden' last='Black'] | 5'9” PG | Amherst County   Black had a great sophomore season for Amherst and turned it up even more his junior season, showing he's one of the most dynamic and impactful guards in the Lynchburg area. While he isn't the biggest guy he's an absolute dog on the defensive end with his ability to get under ball handlers and jump passing lanes, he's a blur in transition and has a quick first step to touch the paint, he scores it efficiently on and off the ball and makes winning plays across the board.   #163) [player_tooltip player_id='2780054' first='Josh' last='Tyner'] | 6'5” PF | Langley   Tyner's a two sport star who shines on the football field and will likely be recruited there, but that doesn't change the fact he had a huge junior season for Langley on the hardwood. The 6'5” forward caused all sorts of matchup problems with his ability to rebound and bully guys in the paint, his ability to step out and make shots from deep and his high motor to fight for 50-50 balls and make the hustle plays.   #166) [player_tooltip player_id='1588150' first='Johnathan' last='Anderson'] | 6'3” CG | South County   Anderson was a breakout player for a good South County team this year, putting up big numbers in multiple games throughout the season and showing his complete arsenal as a scorer. The 6'3” combo has good size and is lights out from deep both off the catch and off the bounce, he changes speeds well to get in the paint where he's a very good finisher and he's a good rebounder for his position as well.   #167) [player_tooltip player_id='2426243' first='Maurice' last='Jefferson'] | 6'0” PG | Henrico   Jefferson is part of a very talented backcourt at Henrico that will all be seniors next year, and the way they played this year the Warriors will be a team to watch next year moving forward. Jefferson's a throwback guard who is tenacious on both ends of the floor, he takes care of the ball and makes plays for others, he hits open shots and he's the hardest working player on the floor.

We recently updated our class of 2026 rankings, with a lot of new players taking what we often refer to as the “junior jump.” Things have shaken up quite a bit, with over 40 new names being added to the rankings.